- P S Khual
1 Samuel 16-17
Have we ever wondered why we may be facing obstacles and hindrances in life? They often result in hesitation to move on. These issues are never silent, or benign but come back to taunt us and hinder our progress as a Christian. There is no point in being in denial or ignoring the fact. David killed a giant and gave us insights into killing our own giants (obstacles) that stand between us and the life God has promised us. We must come to a point where we say "enough is enough!" So let's take lesson from David and be ready for 'the life' (John 10:10) that God has promised us. It is through us that the Lord wants to uphold and Glorify His name.
Do a good job - 1 Sam 16:18-23
Before David met Goliath he served his father and looked after his family's sheep and then he served Saul by playing the harp whenever the king was tormented. It says that Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, "Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him." Never underestimate the power of credibility. How are we doing with our responsibilities? Are the people in our world 'pleased with us.' This may seem a huge challenge, we may feel justified in letting everything fall apart, but our responsibilities are just that, our responsibility. Let's look at our day and ask what needs doing and determine to do it well.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Col 3:23,24)
Turn up - 1 Sam 17: 12 -20
David was actually physically present at the battlefield. We cannot overcome our obstacles unless we are ready to acknowledge the situation. Many of us deny, ignore or try and speak positive things about it, hoping the problem will go away. The fact is that our obstacles (hindrances, something that keeps us from living Christ-like life) are real. No battle can be won unless we 'turn up' in our heart and mind and prepare to engage it. We've got to acknowledge the problem and prepare to face it. The Lord promises us his presence and provision even through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23)
See past other peoples opinions - 1 Sam 17:28-39
David had his own brothers tell him to run back to his sheep. The battlefield was no place for him. When David would not leave he had the king himself tell him he could not fight the giant. Often we feel like we are out of our league. David knew two things that helped him see past other people's opinions.
He was anointed by God.
The battle was the Lord's.
God has given us everything we need to face the world because he won the battle of battles when he died on the cross and rose again three days later. We just need to apply that victory and see that there is a God and that He saves. God will help us see His victory as our victory no matter what other people say. It is through our victory that God wants to glorify Hs name.
Recognise what you've got - 1 Sam 17:34-37
David had won before. He had the confidence in his skill as proved by killing the lion and the bear. He didn't need his family's approval, nor the armour of the king, nor the respect of his enemy. David was confident in His God and in his ability. We can draw strength from our past experiences. God led us all this while and brought us where we are. He did not bring us all the way here for no reason. He has a purpose in us and wants us to see His victory. (Rom 8:31-32).
Get some attitude - 1 Sam 17: 40-51
David did not hesitate. He did not dwell on his inadequacies or what if I lose. David faced Goliath with full confidence that he would win and that God would deliver Goliath into his hands. When David spoke he declared to his giant exactly what was going to happen to him. It is an event from which all of us must draw encouragement.
So, let's turn up, see past people's opinions, see past our obstacles, acknowledge what the Lord has done for us and move ahead with the assurance that the Lord is with us and for us. It is through us that all will see His Grace and His Glory.
